The EcoMow R96 zero turn has been meticulously crafted to support the unique needs of local governments and facilities maintenance contractors who maintain expansive outdoor spaces. After a day of testing the R96, Blue Ridge Property Maintenance’s Mat Wandmaker was a big fan.
There’s no doubt the EcoMow R96 is an imposing machine. Powered by a 44kWh lithium-ion battery and running Mean Green’s Impulse Drive System™, the R96 has grunt equivalent to a 37-horsepower diesel engine. With a single full battery charge, it can run for up to eight hours uninterrupted and cover up to 43 acres.
That’s a mighty impressive introduction right there, and seeing the glow in the eyes of Mat Wandmaker as the R96 rolled quietly off the trailer, we knew we weren’t the only ones who felt a little overawed.
Designed for pros
The 100% electric design of the EcoMow R96 eliminates the need for hydraulics or oils and produces zero operational emissions. It’s quiet, too. It’s a little hard to grasp how a machine of this size, with a 96-inch cut and such an imposing presence, operates at only 76 decibels. But it does, and that low volume is a real advantage, both for operators and sensitive work areas.
The ergonomic design includes a custom high-back suspension seat ideal for longer shifts, an interactive touchscreen display, and intuitive controls that make it safe and comfortable for operators.
There’s even an optional solar canopy which will protect the operator from the elements and give an extended run time.
We thought we saw Mat W drooling a little as he leapt into the seat and began giving the R96 what could be fairly described as a thrashing…if anything so quiet could be called that.
Smitten
“For a commercial operator, it’s fantastic,” Mat told us, fairly glowing after his time on the machine. “Everything’s ergonomic. It’s comfortable – you could sit in it pretty much all day mowing for eight hours, which is what it’ll do.”
Then he began running around and pointing at things. We had to scurry to keep up with him.
“It’s got lights and emergency lights, it’s got headlights on the front as well as indicators. It’s almost ready to be road registered. It’ll only needs mirrors and reflectors,” he chortled before charging off again.
“All five deck-motor controllers are underneath the seat,” he said, pivoting the object in question. “Simply lift it up and everything’s in there.”
“On all these outer deck wheels we’ve got grease nipples. That’s pretty much the gist of it. There’s a fan on the back which we’d give a wipe off every now and then. Blow it off, store it in the garage and we’re all good. The maintenance is done!”
We were a little alarmed to hear him speaking as though he already had one.
Built for serious work
There’s no doubt the R96 is serious professional equipment, and it’s clear the needs of a professional were in mind during design. The whopping 96-inch cut and ample power means very large properties can be dealt with efficiently and in a very timely manner, but at the touch of a button the two 18″ outrigger cutters fold up to leave a zero turn ready to roll onto a 72″-wide trailer.
The electronic control of the R96’s function is down to a touchscreen facing the operator, and it makes everything from adjusting the mower’s speed – which can be a very healthy 27kph, by the way – to lifting the deck to cope with roots or setting blade-tip speeds to suit the terrain.
Mat’s an operator with plenty of experience, but he was clearly taken with the R96.
“For me, as a contractor and an owner, everything’s ergonomical. It’s easy to use. Someone could jump on, and with a little bit of training, off they go,” he volunteered, before getting a dreamy expression and saying quietly, “I loved it. I think I need to stop being a boss and be a contractor so I can get back on the tools.”
Contact EcoTeq Outdoor to learn more about its range of electric ZT mowers and request an onsite demonstration. Call 1800 100 150 or visit ecoteq.com.au.